#9. Denver, CO

Major Healthcare Players: The Children’s Hospital, Denver Health System

Emphasizing employment in air transportation, telecommunications, aerospace and manufacturing, Denver is a major energy research center and the regional headquarters for government agencies. Its bustling downtown financial district is also considered the “Wall Street of the Rockies,” housing both major national and international banks. And that’s not all — Denver is 346 miles west of the exact geographic center of the country, placing it in a great spot for future economic development and growth.

Bonus fun fact: Denver is the only city ever to turn down the Olympics.